As teachers negotiate unprecedented levels of workload and admin, a new UK study which surveyed more than 2000 adults has found that 50 per cent of respondents would love to tell a teacher “thank you” for the help they received in school, while 60 per cent believe they had a positive impact on their confidence, and that a teacher had helped shape their morals and beliefs.
In Australia a podcast celebrating teachers, titled Teachers Who Shape Us (available on Spotify and Apple), has been launched providing engaging discussions on the impact teachers have on their students’ lives.
Hosted by Paralympian Kurt Fearnley, the series incorporates an impressive lineup of influential voices and advocates from a range of fields, including comedian Adam Hills, social commentator, writer and lecturer Jane Caro, distinguished professor and astrophysicist Brian Schmidt, highly regarded educator Nancy Penfold and Australian Paralympic swimmer and disability advocate Izzy Vincent.
Fearnley, who is Chairman of the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), says deciding on who he wanted to chat with for the series wasn’t difficult.
“We’ve all got a story about a teacher who made a difference, so honestly I could have interviewed anyone!” he tells EducationHQ.
“I’ve been lucky enough to meet people from all walks of life over the last couple of decades, from prime ministers to TV stars, athletes and quiet achievers.
“For this project I opened my little black book and asked a few people who I know are great storytellers and could talk about the difference teachers had made in their lives.
“We can all then sit back, nod our heads at what they’re saying, and think about the amazing teachers we’ve had who shaped our lives and how we think about the world.”
Fearnley brings a wealth of experience and passion for championing inclusivity, resilience, and wellbeing to the series.
As a three-time Paralympic gold medallist, teacher, and Order of Australia recipient, his strengths and personal journey help guide meaningful and often very funny and thought-provoking discussions with each of his guests.
He says when the opportunity to host the podcast came up, he didn’t hesitate.
“While these days I host podcasts and a few other things, I’m actually a trained teacher so it was a natural fit,” he says.
“I haven’t been in the classroom a whole lot in recent years, but I studied to be a teacher at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
“Given that my uni mates are teachers, both of my sisters are teachers, and now having a couple of kids at school, I know the difference that teachers quietly make to the lives of so many.”
Fearnley has a congenital disorder called sacral agenesis, which prevented fetal development of certain parts of his lower spine and all of his sacrum during his own childhood. He says from very early on teachers stood up for him when he couldn’t.
“My primary school principal ignored the orders of the department who said I belonged in a special school a hundred kilometres away … and spent his summer holiday cementing around the school so I could get around in my wheelchair."
A high school PE teacher opened the door to sport, he says.
“She knew I had a nose for sport and competition but was missing the outlet to rip in on an even playing field, so she got in contact with Wheelchair Sports NSW and invited their wheelchair basketball program out to the school.
“Suddenly, amongst my peers, I had a chance!”
Brad Joyce, CEO of Teachers Health, which is presenting the series, says his company is thrilled to have Fearnley lead this important conversation on the critical role of teachers via the podcast.
“Teachers are out there shaping lives every day, and by bringing together so many heartfelt stories, we aim to share the inspiring impact that teachers have had on all of us, including many of Australia's leading voices and achievers,” he says.
Fearnley says that while teachers are struggling under excessive workloads, with many considering chucking it in due to burnout, he hopes they also know just how appreciated they are, even though it’s not often obvious.
“When I did a block of teaching in country NSW, on day one a boy swore at me and questioned how I could possibly teach him anything, because I was in a wheelchair.
“Four weeks later when I left, he was in tears, devastated that I was leaving.
“Teachers make a difference. You are valued, you are special and your work is the underlying greatness of everyone in our society – from Prime Ministers, successful business people, entertainers, and even washed up old wheelchair racers.
“Thank you for everything you do.”
